U.S. patent application number 10/097813 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-31 for ground surface non-edible foraging matrix configurations for arthropod control.
Invention is credited to Koehler, Philip G., Oi, Faith M..
Application Number | 20020157302 10/097813 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28039254 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020157302 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oi, Faith M. ; et
al. |
October 31, 2002 |
Ground surface non-edible foraging matrix configurations for
arthropod control
Abstract
Surface ground kits for controlling arthropods such as termites,
carpenter ants, fire ants, roaches, and the like, and combinations
thereof. Embodiments can include mounting a chamber on a ground
insertable member having an edible food source, such as a wood
stake, and pressing the member into the ground until the chamber is
against the ground surface. The chamber can be cylindrical disc
shape having one closed end and closed sides, such as plastic cup,
Petri dish, and the like. Optionally, the chamber can be non-opaque
so that the interior contents can be viewed from outside the
chamber. The lower open end of the chamber can be a layer of an
edible non-toxic material such as a layer of foam, and the like. On
top of the edible layer, can be a layer of a non-edible foraging
matrix that contains the slow-acting non-repellent toxicant within
the foraging matrix, and this layer can be visible through the top
closed portion of the chamber. Arthropods can be attracted to the
kit device by the edible portion of the ground insertable member.
The arthropods can then pass through the edible foam type layer in
the open end of the chamber and then forage into the layer
containing the non-edible material which is mixed with the
slow-acting non-repellent toxicants. The arthropods leave the
chamber in the same direction they came taking the slow-acting
non-repellent toxicant back to their galleries and colonies where
the arthropods are killed over time. Ground engaging members such
as stake(s) and/or teeth and/or lower extending edges can also be
used. Removable lid portions such as snap tops, screwable threads,
and hinged tops can allow the chambers to be monitored and/or
reusuable overtime.
Inventors: |
Oi, Faith M.; (Gainesville,
FL) ; Koehler, Philip G.; (Gainesville, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Law Offices of Brian S. Steinberger, P.A.
101 Brevard Avenue
Cocoa
FL
32922
US
|
Family ID: |
28039254 |
Appl. No.: |
10/097813 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10097813 |
Mar 13, 2002 |
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09942341 |
Aug 29, 2001 |
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10097813 |
Mar 13, 2002 |
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09525086 |
Mar 14, 2000 |
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6298597 |
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60243905 |
Oct 27, 2000 |
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60159266 |
Oct 13, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
43/131 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01M 1/24 20130101; A01M
1/14 20130101; A01M 1/2011 20130101; A01N 25/34 20130101; A01N
25/006 20130101; A01N 43/36 20130101; A01N 25/08 20130101; A01M
2200/011 20130101; A01M 1/026 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
43/131 |
International
Class: |
A01M 001/20; A01M
025/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A ground surface treatment method of killing arthropods,
comprising the steps of: (a) providing a chamber with at least one
open end, the chamber having at least one layer of a nontoxic food
source with one side adjacent to the one open end being accessible
to arthropods; (b) inserting a foraging non-edible matrix treated
with a slow-acting and non-repellent toxicant into the chamber
adjacent to a second side of the one layer of the nontoxic food
source; (c) positioning the at least one open end of the chamber
adjacent to a ground surface, wherein arthropods enter into the at
least one open end of the chamber to eat through the non-toxic food
source into the toxicant treated non-edible matrix, so that
slow-acting and non-repellent toxicant destroys arthropods in their
colonies over time.
2. The ground surface treatment method of claim 1, further
comprising the step of: placing the chamber adjacent to a colony of
arthropods.
3. The ground surface treatment method of claim 2, wherein the
arthropods include at least one of: termites, carpenter ants, fire
ants, and roaches.
4. The ground surface treatment method of claim 1, further
comprising the step of: placing the chamber adjacent to a manmade
structure.
4. The ground surface treatment method of claim 4, wherein the
manmade structure is selected from at least one of: a building, a
house, a fence, and a shed.
5. The ground surface treatment method of claim 1, further
comprising the step of: placing the chamber adjacent to at least
one of: a tree, a plant, a garden and a shrub.
6. The ground surface treatment method of claim 1, further
comprising the step of: attaching the chamber to a ground
insertable member, which when inserted into the ground allows the
edible layer in the chamber to be adjacent to the ground
surface.
7. The ground surface treatment method of claim 6, wherein the
ground insertable member includes: a non-toxic edible material.
8. The ground surface-treatment method of claim 7, wherein the
ground insertable member includes: a wood containing stake.
9. The ground surface treatment method of claim 1, further
comprising the step of: providing the chamber with a window portion
for allowing a portion of interior contents of the chamber to be
seen from outside the chamber.
10. The ground surface treatment method of claim 1, further
comprising the step of: replacing a portion of the interior
contents of the chamber so that the chamber is reusable over
time.
11. The ground surface treatment method of claim 1, wherein the
nontoxic food source includes the step of: placing a nontoxic food
source selected from at least one of: wood, paper, cellulose
material, foam, plastic, and mixtures thereof, into the open end of
the chamber.
12. The ground surface treatment method of claim 1, wherein the
step of inserting the foraging non-edible matrix treated with the
slow-acting and non-repellent toxicant includes the step of: mixing
the slow-acting and non-repellent toxicant with the foraging
non-edible matrix selected from at least one of: soil, gravel,
rocks, pebbles, shale, and mixtures thereof.
13. The ground surface treatment method of claim 1, wherein the
chamber includes the step of: selecting a shape from at least one
of: a disc, a cylinder, a rectangle, a triangle, a polygon, and
combinations thereof.
14. A ground surface apparatus for killing arthropods, comprising
in combination: a chamber having at least one opening with a layer
formed from a non-toxic, edible arthropod food source; a foraging
non-edible foraging matrix having a slow-acting and non-repellent
toxicant within the chamber on an opposite side of the non-toxic
edible layer; and a ground surface adjacent to the at least one
opening for allowing arthropods to enter into and pass out of the
chamber to disperse the slow acting and non-repellent toxicant to
their colony to kill arthropods over time.
15. The ground surface apparatus of claim 14, further comprising: a
manmade structure that is being protected from the arthropods.
16. The ground surface apparatus of claim 15, wherein the manmade
structure is selected from at least one of: a house, a building, a
shed, and a fence, and combinations thereof.
17. The ground surface apparatus of claim 14, further comprising: a
natural item that is being protected from the arthropods.
18. The ground surface apparatus of claim 17, wherein the natural
item is selected from at least one of: a tree, a plant, a
shrubbery, a garden, and combinations thereof.
19. The ground surface apparatus of claim 14, further comprising: a
ground insertable member attached to the chamber, which when
inserted into the ground allows the edible layer in the chamber to
be adjacent to the ground surface.
20. The ground surface apparatus of claim 19, wherein the ground
insertable member includes: a non-toxic edible material.
21. The ground surface apparatus of claim 20, wherein the ground
insertable member includes: a wood containing stake.
22. The ground surface apparatus of claim 14, further comprising: a
window portion on the chamber for allowing a portion of interior
contents of the chamber to be seen from outside the chamber.
23. The ground surface apparatus of claim 14, further comprising:
means for allowing an interior content of the chamber to be
replaced so that the chamber is reusable over time.
24. The ground surface apparatus of claim 23, wherein the
replacement means includes: a cap portion that opens.
24. The ground surface apparatus of claim 14, wherein the nontoxic
food source is selected from at least one of: wood, paper,
cellulose material, foam, plastic, and mixtures thereof.
25. The ground surface apparatus of claim 14, wherein the foraging
non-edible matrix is selected from at least one of: soil, gravel,
rocks, pebbles, shale, and mixtures thereof.
26. The ground surface apparatus of claim 14, wherein the chamber
includes a shape selected from at least one of: a disc, a cylinder,
a rectangle, a triangle, a polygon, and combinations thereof.
27. The ground surface apparatus of claim 14, wherein the ground
insertable member includes: one stake.
28. The ground surface apparatus of claim 14, wherein the ground
insertable member includes: two stakes adjacent to one another
having at least one narrow groove therebetween for allowing
arthropods to pass along the groove.
29. The ground surface apparatus of claim 14, wherein the ground
insertable member includes: plural teeth members.
30. The ground surface apparatus of claim 14, wherein the ground
insertable member includes: plural stakes separated apart from one
another.
31. The ground surface apparatus of claim 24, wherein the cap
portion includes: a snap edge so that the cap portion can be
completely separated from the chamber.
32. The ground surface apparatus of claim 24, wherein the cap
portion includes: a hinge so that the cap portion can be hingedly
attached to the chamber.
33. The ground surface apparatus of claim 24, wherein the cap
portion includes: threads for allowing the cap portion to rotatably
screw onto the chamber.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to ground surface controls for
arthropods such as termites, carpenter ants, fire ants and roaches,
and in particular to apparatus and methods for using a non-toxic
food source to attract the arthropods into housings having a
non-edible foraging matrix treated with slow acting and
non-repellant toxicants, that causes the arthropods to take the
toxicants back to galleries and living areas in their colonies, and
this invention is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser.
No. 09/942,341 filed Aug. 29, 2001, which claims the benefit of
priority to U.S. Provisional Application 60/243,905 filed Oct. 27,
2000, by the same inventors and assignee as the subject invention,
and which also is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser.
No. 09/525,086 filed Mar. 14, 2000 by the same inventors and a
co-assignee of the subject invention which is now U.S. Pat. No.
6,298,597, and which claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional Application 60/159,266 filed Oct. 13, 1999.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART
[0002] Common nuisance pests that are of a primary concern for
causing damage generally include arthropods such as termites,
carpenter ants, fire ants and roaches. In southern areas especially
Florida, termites are considered to be one of the most destructive
arthropod pests for any manmade structures containing wood such as
the framing in homes, as well as for causing destruction to natural
wood containing items such as trees, and the like.
[0003] The two forms of termites that are of concern for pest
control are subterranean termites and dry wood termites.
Subterranean termites typically nest in the ground and usually
maintain some sort of ground connection at all times. Dry wood
termites usually start off in damaging pieces of wood materials,
and do not require a ground connection. Between the two forms, the
subterranean termites are the most damaging type of termites and
usually enter structures such as buildings from surround soil
adjacent to the structures.
[0004] Over the years there have been at least several methods of
subterranean termite control. For example, the most common method
of subterranean termite control requires soil underlying a
structure to be treated with a termiticide barrier to prevent the
termites from entering the structure from the ground. For example,
a typical structure such as a house would have used hundreds of
gallons of termiticide that would have been used to treat the soil
underneath the house foundation.
[0005] From approximately 1950 to approximately 1988, a popular
method for barrier treatment control for subterranean termites was
chlorinated hydrocarbons. However, environmental concerns with
those chemical treatments resulted in problems with the soil that
could last up to approximately 35 years. Replacement chemicals for
the chlorinated hydrocarbons were not popular since the replacement
chemicals had a high rate of failure which resulted in extensive
termite damage to the structures.
[0006] Problems with the barrier treatments became further
compounded since builders have often been known to dump substantial
amounts of termite edible building materials, such as wood and
cardboard scraps, into the underlying soil that have served as
guide lines for allowing the termites to then enter from the soil
up and into the structures. These edible debris are a substantial
food source, that increases the likelihood of termite infestation
into the structure.
[0007] Over the years, different techniques have been developed and
proposed to enhance the underground delivery of toxic insecticides
beneath structures. See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,940,875 and
4,043,073 to Basile; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,625,474 to Peacock.
However, many of these techniques and systems such as Basile '073
are concerned with trying to refresh the initial termiticide
barrier by having the termites chew through a container with the
toxicant (for example). Other examples of these techniques and
systems allow for installing a piping system during the building
construction process so that additional termiticide can be pumped
under a slab of the building at intervals during construction.
Furthermore, some of these techniques and systems such as the
Basile '073 patent utilized a toxicant (for example, dieldrin)
which has been banned by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
for termite treatment. Additionally, the pipes used in the pumping
delivery systems have been known to often get clogged after
installation making the pipe delivery systems not reliable nor
usable overtime.
[0008] Other well-known subterranean termite treatment techniques
and systems include bait techniques, which require termites to
forage into a monitor that contains a non-toxic food source. Once
termites infest the non-toxic food source, a food source laced with
a toxicant (toxic bait) is replaced into the monitor. Termites
continue to be recruited into the monitor and feed on the toxic
bait. Consumption and trophallaxis (feeding other termites) of the
toxic bait later causes many termites to die. See for example, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,329,726 to Thome et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,018 to
Gordon et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,356 to Nimocks. However,
these techniques generally require that the termites consume the
toxic bait. Termites refuse to consume most toxicants. Therefore
this technique is generally useful for only some 2 to 3 toxicants
currently known in the world. Termites also refuse to consume bait
food sources that are contaminated with molds or food sources that
are too wet. These bait techniques do not use a non-edible foraging
matrix (as described in the subject invention), such as but not
limited to soil and sand, to cause the termites to tunnel
therethrough and carry the non-edible particles treated with the
toxicants to the galleries and living spaces of the colony, and
thus contaminating the colonies. Most toxicants applied to
non-edible foraging matrixes, except repellant pyrethroids, will be
picked up and carried by the termites to other areas of their
tunnel systems.
[0009] Other systems have been proposed but still fail to overcome
the problems with the methods and applications described above.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,972,993 to Kobayashi et al. requires a membrane be
treated with a substance attractive to termites (due to the
termite's innate searching and feeding behavior, termites are not
attracted to food from a distance when allowed to forage without
interference) so that when the termites chew through the membrane a
toxic surface is contacted. U.S. Pat. No. 5,501,033 to Wefler
delivers a liquid toxic food source for social insects such as
yellowjackets and has very little use for termites. U.S. Pat. No.
5,609,879 to Myles requires the laborious harvesting of termites
from the ground, sponging on an insecticidal epoxy, and returning
it to the soil. U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,596 to Henderson et al. is a
device for delivering toxic food for termites to consume. And U.S.
Pat. No. 5,921,018 to Hirose provides foraging guidelines for
termites to follow so the termites enter a device that captures and
kills them.
[0010] There are additional problems with prior art treatments that
use repellent liquids, non-repellent liquids, and baits. When using
repellent liquids, the liquid barriers need to be applied in a
perfectly continuous fashion. If gaps in the treatment exist,
especially with repellent termiticides, such as those belonging to
the pyrethroid class, the termites will forage and find the gaps in
the treatment, increasing the probability of infesting the
structure.
[0011] In non-repellent liquid treatments, the termites are not
able to detect that they are in a treated area; hence the
classification "non-repellent", and the termites die. A major
drawback for non-repellent liquid treatments is that liquid
termiticides in this class are still so new that there are
questions about how long they will last in the soil, especially
when exposed to sun and weather. The subject invention protects the
foraging matrix from the sun and weather conditions in order to
prolong its' usability, and the foraging matrix can be continuously
replaced as necessary to recharge the system. The application of
liquid termiticide barriers requires several hundred gallons of
insecticide that is pumped under structures, such as houses, and
can sometimes result in the contamination of the house interior, as
well as water supply wells. Most homeowners have been known to want
termicide applications that are less intrusive and disruptive.
[0012] Bait type station techniques and systems are again not
practical since the bait stations require a food source that is
palatable to termites. Selecting the appropriate food source can be
difficult. While wood is a known food source, wood is very
inconsistent in composition, so manufacturers don't like to use it
with toxicants.
[0013] Other known food sources such as paper food sources have
other problems. For example, if paper is not packed tightly enough,
it will be emptied by termites and not be able to deliver enough
toxicants to kill large numbers of termites. Most cellulose
material will rot when placed in the soil. Once the cellulose
material food source goes bad, termites will not feed, rendering
the bait ineffective.
[0014] The subject invention uses a non-edible foraging matrix
treated with a slow-acting non-repellent toxicant. Termites can put
the particles of the treated matrix into their mouths when they
tunnel through it, and many toxicants will work because they do not
need to consume it and feed it to others. The particles are
returned to the colony and incorporated into their tunnels.
Termites that contact the particles die several days after the
toxicant on the matrix particles are contacted. The behavior of the
termites moves the treated foraging matrix from the exit and
entrance opening of the device's chamber to contaminate their
colony and tunnels.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] A primary objective of the invention is to provide a ground
surface method and system for killing arthropods such as termites,
carpenter ants, fire ants and roaches over time.
[0016] A secondary objective of the invention is to provide a
ground surface method and system for protecting structures such as
homes and buildings from destructive arthropods such as termites,
carpenter ants, fire ants and roaches.
[0017] A third objective of the invention is to provide a ground
surface method and system for using a non-toxic and edible food
source to attract arthropods such as termites, carpenter ants, fire
ants, and roaches, and causing the arthropods to then tunnel
through non-edible particles that are treated with a slow-acting
and non-repellent toxicant so that arthropods returning to their
colonies will contaminate their galleries and living spaces with
the toxicant.
[0018] A fourth objective of the invention is to provide a ground
surface method and system for using non-edible particles such as
soil particles, sand particles, sand particles, and the like, and
mixtures thereof for dispersing toxicants to arthropods such as
termites, carpenter ants, fire ants and roaches that pass through
tunnels, galleries and living spaces.
[0019] A fifth objective of the invention is to provide systems and
methods for treating arthropods such as termites, carpenter ants,
fire ants, and roaches, that is mounted on a ground surface.
[0020] A sixth objective of the invention is to provide methods and
systems for easily accessing arthropod controls without having to
remove the controls from the ground.
[0021] Ground surface methods and systems are included for killing
arthropods such as termites, carpenter ants, fire ants, and
roaches, to protect structures such as homes and buildings. One
embodiment of the ground surface method and system can include
positioning the ground surface embodiment against a ground surface
by having pushing a stake that protruded from underneath a chamber
into the ground until a bottom portion of the chamber is adjacent
to the ground surface. Inside the chamber is an open bottom end
with an edible non-toxic food source such as foam which can be
jammed into the open bottom end of the chamber. Above the food
source can be a foraging matrix having a non-edible foraging
material mixed with a slow-acting non-repellent toxicant.
Additionally, the upper end of the stake can be pushed into the
foam material.
[0022] Another ground surface embodiment can include longer
extending sides on the chamber for penetrating into the ground
until the edible non-toxic layer is located adjacent to the ground
surface. Other embodiments can use plural stakes, and/or teeth
members for ground engaging purposes.
[0023] Additional embodiments can include removable caps that can
be either screwed on, snapped, on, or hingedly attached to the top
of the chamber to allow the contents of the chamber to be
replenished without having to remove the entire assembly from the
ground surface.
[0024] Further objects and advantages of this invention will be
apparent from the following detailed description of a presently
preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically in the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0025] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a first ground surface
embodiment of the invention showing a chamber for an arthropod
control application.
[0026] FIG. 2A is a front/back view of a ground insertable stake
for use with the chamber of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 2B is a side view of the stake of FIG. 2A along arrow
F1.
[0028] FIG. 3A is an exploded view of the chamber of FIG. 1 and
stakes of FIGS. 2A-2B with soil.
[0029] FIG. 3B is another view of FIG. 3A with chamber attached to
stake, with stake in soil.
[0030] FIG. 4A is an exploded view of a preferred ground surface
embodiment with sharpened stake for an arthropod control
application.
[0031] FIG. 4B is an assembled view of the preferred embodiment of
FIG. 4A.
[0032] FIG. 4C is a top view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4B
along arrow F2.
[0033] FIG. 4D is a side view of the preferred embodiment of FIG.
4B along arrow F3.
[0034] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a second preferred ground
surface embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 6 shows a view of the second preferred embodiment of
FIG. 5 in a ground surface application.
[0036] FIG. 7 is a side view of a third preferred ground surface
embodiment for an arthropod control application.
[0037] FIG. 8 shows a side view of a fourth ground surface
embodiment for ground surface application.
[0038] FIG. 9 shows the fourth embodiment of FIG. 8 mounted in the
ground surface.
[0039] FIG. 10 shows a fifth embodiment for ground surface
application with a screw top.
[0040] FIG. 11 shows a sixth embodiment for ground surface
application with snap top.
[0041] FIG. 12. shows a seventh embodiment for ground surface
application with hinge top.
[0042] FIG. 13 shows a preferred placement application for the
ground surface embodiments previously described.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0043] Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present
invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is
not limited in its application to the details of the particular
arrangements shown since the invention is capable of other
embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose
of description and not of limitation.
[0044] Below ground embodiments for arthropod control are described
in detail in the parent application Ser. No. 09/525,086 filed Mar.
14, 2000 by the same inventors and a co-assignee as that of the
subject invention, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,597, which
subject matter is now incorporated by reference.
[0045] Further below ground embodiments for arthropod control are
also described in detail in parent application Ser. No. 09/942,341
filed Aug. 29, 2001 to the same inventors and assignee as that of
the subject invention, the subject matter of which is also
incorporated by reference.
[0046] First Embodiment
[0047] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a first ground surfaced
engaging embodiment of the invention showing a chamber 1100 for a
ground surface application. FIG. 2A is a front/back view of a
ground insertable stake 1200 for use with the chamber 1100 of the
first embodiment of FIG. 2. FIG. 2B is a side view of the stake
1200 of FIG. 2A along arrow F1. FIG. 3A is an exploded view 1000 of
the chamber 1100 of FIG. 1 and stake 1200 of FIGS. 2A-2B with soil
1280 and test storage container 1270 with container lid 1250. FIG.
3B is another view of FIG. 3A with chamber 1100 attached to stake
1200, with stake 1200 in soil 1280 within container 1270.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A-2B and 3A-3B, chamber 1100 can
include a cylindrical chamber 1110 such as a plastic see-through
cylindrical disc, a petri dish, and the like, having a closed top
1112 with a diameter of approximately 5 cm, closed sides 1114
having a depth of approximately 1.3 cm and open bottom 1116. Within
the open end 1116 can be an edible food surface layer 1120 such as
cellulose(for example, a paper towel, and the like, can be used).
Chamber 1110 can also include a non-edible foraging matrix 1130
treated with a slow-acting non-repellent toxicant having a depth of
approximately. 7 cm, and closing off the open end 1116 of the
chamber 1110 can be an edible non-toxic material 1140 such as foam,
and the like. A stake material such as a piece of wood, and the
like, 1200 can have a rectangular shape having a height of
approximately 5 cm, a width of approximately 3.7 cm, and a
thickness of approximately 1.3 cm. The stake 1200 can have one end
that can be pressed into a side of the foam type material 1140.
Next, the chamber 1110 with attached stake 1200 can be pressed into
the soil 1280 within container 1270 until the lower surface 1145 of
the edible non-toxic material 1140 is adjacent to the ground
surface 1285.
[0049] For the invention, the slow-acting non-repellant toxicant
can include but not be limited to chlorfenapyr, Fipronil,
thiomethoxam, imidacloprid, hydramethylnon, sulfuramid, IGRs such
as but limited to Hexaflumuron, lurfenuron, diflubenuron, and the
like. The slow-acting non-repellant toxicants can be intermixed
with any non-edible foraging matrix such as but not limited to
builder's sand, Alachua Fine Soil, and the like, as described in
the parent applications to the subject inventions which are
incorporated by reference here.
[0050] Table 1 shows two trials, each having five test samples
using Chlorfenapyr as the slow-acting non-repellant toxicant
interspersed with the non-edible foraging matrix, compared to a
untreated control samples that do not have any slow-acting
non-repellant toxicants.
1TABLE 1 Soil and Paper Towel Treatment Rep Remaining Ave. Live
Termites Ave. Stake with Paper #1 Chlorfenapyr 12.5 ppm Start: Oct.
22, 2001 End: Nov. 27, 2001 500 worker termites Chlorfenapyr 12.5
ppm 1 14.3028 14.29728 0 0 Chlorfenapyr 12.5 ppm 2 13.9077 0
Chlorfenapyr 12.5 ppm 3 15.0171 0 Chlorfenapyr 12.5 ppm 4 14.5821 0
Chlorfenapyr 12.5 ppm 5 13.6767 0 Control 1 8.9579 9.90508 352
341.2 Control 2 10.223 336 Control 3 9.0239 346 Control 4 11.1471
318 Control 5 10.1735 354 Stake with Paper #2 Chlorfenapyr 12.5 ppm
Start: Dec. 12, 2001 End: Jan. 10, 2002 500 worker termites
Chlorfenapyr 12.5 ppm 1 14.7197 14.93606 0 0 Chlorfenapyr 12.5 ppm
2 14.5929 0 Chlorfenapyr 12.5 ppm 3 15.6261 0 Chlorfenapyr 12.5 ppm
4 16.2237 0 Chlorfenapyr 12.5 ppm 5 13.5179 0 Control 1 . . 332
323.2 Control 2 10.2631 324 Control 3 . 334 Control 4 . 320 Control
5 . 306
[0051] Referring to Table 1, the stake test applications were
placed inside a plastic deli cup with moistened sand and 500 worker
termites. A petri dish with approximately 12.5 ppm chlorfenapyr
treated soil was placed on top of the stake and the termites were
allowed to feed and forage for approximately one month. At the end
of one month, the whole apparatus was disassembled. Surviving
termites were counted and the dry weight of soil and paper towel
remaining in the treatment chamber were weighed. In both trials,
100% of the termites exposed to chlorfenapyr at approximately 12.5
ppm were dead, while and average of 332 termites (66.4%) survived
in the untreated controls. These data clearly demonstrate that the
above ground surface embodiment is an effective delivery mechanism
of non-repellent toxicants.
[0052] FIG. 4A is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment 1300
with sharpened stake 1350 using the invention depicted in the
preceding figures. FIG. 4B is an assembled view of the preferred
embodiment 1300 of FIG. 19A. FIG. 4C is a top view of the preferred
embodiment 1300 of FIG. 4B along arrow F2. FIG. 4D is a side view
of the preferred embodiment 1300 of FIG. 19B along arrow F3.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4D, a preferred embodiment can include
a cylindrical chamber 1310 such as a plastic see-through
cylindrical disc, a petri dish, and the like, having a closed top
1312 can include a diameter of approximately 5 cm, closed sides
1314 having a depth of approximately 1.3 cm and open bottom 1316.
Within the open end 1316, can be a non-edible foraging matrix layer
1310 treated with a slow-acting non-repellent toxicant having a
depth of approximately. 7 cm, and closing off the open end 1116 of
the chamber 1110 can be an edible non-toxic material 1340 such as
foam, and the like. A stake material 1350 such as a piece of wood,
and the like, can have a rectangular upper shape 1354 having a
width of approximately 3.70 cm with triangular spike tipped bottom
1256, where the overall height of the stake 1350 can be
approximately 5.08 cm, and a thickness of approximately 0.5 cm. The
stake 1350 can have end 1352 that can be pressed into the lower
exposed side 1342 of the foam type material 1340.
[0054] When used, the tip end 1356 of stake 1350 can be pressed
into the ground surface until bottom end 1342 of the edible
non-toxic material 1340 is adjacent to the ground surface.
Arthropods can enter the chamber 1310 by following the route
determined by the edible non-toxic material of the stake 1350 into
the chamber, where the arthropods can forage through the non-edible
foraging matrix 1330 that is treated with the slow-acting
non-repellent toxicant. Arthropods leave out the same way as they
entered taking the slow-acting non-repellent toxicant back to their
galleries and colonies where the arthropods are killed over time.
The upper closed end 1312 and/or all of the sides 1330 of the
chamber 1330 can be non-opaque to allow the interior contents to be
visible so that users can see the activity within the chamber 1310.
See-through sides and/or top can allow users to remove and replace
the embodiment overtime.
[0055] Additionally, the stake itself can be composed of a
non-edible material such as metal, aluminum, and the like, to be
inserted into the edible non-toxic food source layer existing in
the chamber. Additionally, the stake can have longitudinal grooves
down its side(s) which can also allow termites to more easily move
into the chamber.
[0056] Second Embodiment
[0057] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a second preferred ground
surface embodiment 1360. FIG. 5 can include the same components as
that of FIGS. 4A-4D with the addition of a second stake 1370 spaced
close to and apart from first stake 1350. Second stake 1370 has top
portion 1372, side edges 1374 and bottom tip 1376 which correspond
to similar numbers 1352, 1354, 1356 of the first stake 1350. A
spacer 1362 can keep the stakes apart from one another so that
grooved passageways 1365, 1367 along either or both sides of the
stakes 1350, 1370 exist, which can allow the termites a direct path
to move into the chamber 1310 as previously described.
[0058] FIG. 6 shows a view of the second preferred embodiment of
FIG. 5 in a ground surface application. Here, embodiment 1360 is
placed so that stakes 1350, 1370 are pushed into the ground 1380 so
that upper compartment 1310 housing the layers 1330, 1340 are
adjacent to the ground surface. Arthropods such as termites 1395 in
colonies, and the like, can path through tunnels 1393, 1395 to
layer 1340, directly 1393, and/or by passing through groove(s) 1365
in the sides of stakes 1350, 1370. As previously described, the
termites 1395 can bring back the slow-acting non-repellant
toxicants to their colonies and tunnels which can kill the
arthropods over time.
[0059] Third Embodiment
[0060] FIG. 7 is a side view of a third embodiment 1400 of the
invention showing another ground surface application with ground
insertion edges. Chamber 1410 can be similar in dimensions to
chamber 1310 described in detail in reference to the third
embodiment and can include a non-edible foraging matrix 1330
treated with a slow acting non-repellent toxicant inside the
chamber 1310 against the upper lid end 1412 with an edible
non-toxic food source 1340 underneath the matrix 1330. The chamber
1410 can have a lower extending cylindrical thin side walls 1415,
which can extend up to approximately 1 to approximately 5 cm below
the non-edible food source layer 1340, so that the bottom edges
1417 can easily be pushed into a ground surface. Although the side
walls are shown as being cylindrical with a hollow center, the side
walls 1415 can be of different shapes such as but not limited to
rectangular, square, triangular, and the like.
[0061] Alternatively, the bottom edge can have individual teeth
portion(s) 1418 with sharp edges 1419 for aiding in the ground
insertion such as triangular shaped, and the like. When used, the
embodiment 1400 similar to the seventh embodiment is pushed into
the ground in the direction of arrow G1 until the surface of the
ground G2 is adjacent to the lower surface 1342 of the edible
non-toxic layer 1340. Embodiment 1400 can be used similar to the
previous embodiments and can also kill arthropods in a similar
manner over time.
[0062] Fourth Embodiment
[0063] FIG. 8 shows a side view of a fourth embodiment 1450 of the
invention showing another ground surface application where the
layer of slow acting non-repellant toxicant mixed with the
non-edible foraging matrix 1330 is within an open end of chamber
1310, with an edible non-toxic material layer 1340 such as a foam
material and the like, and individual mini type stakes 1460 extend
out from layer 1340. Each of the mini type stakes 1360 can include
a longitudinal member portion 1462, 1464, 1466 and a sharp bottom
tip edge 1463, 1465, and 1467. The stakes can be formed from
materials such as wood, plastic, and metal, and can be pre-inserted
into layer 1340. Alternatively, stakes 1460 can be pre-attached to
chamber 1310.
[0064] FIG. 9 shows the fourth embodiment 1450 of FIG. 8 mounted in
the ground surface 1380. Embodiment 1450 can be used similar to
previous embodiments to kill arthropods over time.
[0065] Fifth Embodiment
[0066] FIG. 10 shows a fifth embodiment 1500 for ground surface
application with a screw top 1510, 1520. Components 1330, 1340,
1415-1418, 1460 and 1350, 1370 correspond to those previously
described in previous embodiments. Here, the chamber can include
two portions, a lid portion 1510 having downwardly extending sides
with threaded surfaces 1515, and a lower hollow chamber portion
1520 having threaded sides 1525. Lower chamber portion 1520 can
have an upper open end and a lower open end for housing the layers
1330, 1340. The threaded sides allow the lid portion 1510 to
mateably screw onto the threads 1525 of the lower chamber portion
1520. For example lid portion 1510 can be attached by rotating in a
clockwise direction as shown by arrow R to lower portion 1520, and
can be separated by rotating in a counter-clockwise direction. The
fifth embodiment 1500 allows for easy access to the interior of the
chamber 1510, 1520 to check on the contents without having to
physically remove the embodiment from the ground. This embodiment
allows for reusability overtime since the interior content layers
1330, 1340 can be replaced without having to physically remove the
embodiment from the ground. Any of the stake and ground insertable
portions previously described can be used with this embodiment.
Embodiment 1500 can also be used similar to the previous
embodiments to kill arthropods over time.
[0067] Sixth Embodiment
[0068] FIG. 11 shows a sixth embodiment 1600 for ground surface
application with snap top. Components 1330, 1340, 1415-1418, 1460
and 1350, 1370 correspond to those previously described in previous
embodiments. Here, the chamber can include two portions, a lid
portion 1610 having downwardly extending sides 1611 with ridge edge
1614, and tab 1612, and a lower hollow chamber portion 1620 having
sides 1624 with an upper lip edge 1622. Lower chamber portion 1620
can have an upper open end and a lower open end for housing the
layers 1330, 1340. The ridge edge 1614 allow the lid portion 1610
to snap onto the raised upper lip edge 1622 of the lower chamber
portion 1620. For example lid portion 1610 can be attached by being
moved in a downward direction as shown by arrow J to lower portion
1620, and can be separated by being moved in an opposite direction.
The sixth embodiment 1600 allows for easy access to the interior of
the chamber 1610, 1620 to check on the contents without having to
physically remove the embodiment from the ground. This embodiment
allows for reusability overtime since the interior content layers
1330, 1340 can be replaced without having to physically remove the
embodiment from the ground. Any of the stake and ground insertable
portions previously described can be used with this embodiment.
Embodiment 1600 can also be used similar to the previous
embodiments to kill arthropods over time.
[0069] Seventh Embodiment
[0070] FIG. 12. shows a seventh embodiment 1700 for ground surface
application with hinge top. Components 1330, 1340, 1415-1418, 1460
and 1350, 1370 correspond to those previously described in previous
embodiments. Here, the chamber can include two portions, a lid
portion 1710 having downwardly extending sides with raised bottom
edge 1714, and a lower hollow chamber portion 1720. Lower chamber
portion 1720 can have an upper open end and a lower open end for
housing the layers 1330, 1340. A hinge portion 1715 allows lid
portion 1710 to open and close in the direction of double arrow K
relative to lower chamber portion 1720. The seventh embodiment 1700
allows for easy access to the interior of the chamber 1710, 1720 to
check on the contents without having to physically remove the
embodiment from the ground. This embodiment allows for reusability
overtime since the interior content layers 1330, 1340 can be
replaced without having to physically remove the embodiment from
the ground. Any of the stake and ground insertable portions
previously described can be used with this embodiment. Embodiment
1700 can be used similar to the previous embodiments to kill
arthropods over time.
[0071] FIG. 13 shows a preferred placement application for the
ground surface embodiments previously described. Label 1900 refers
to any of the ground surface embodiments previously described,
which can be placed adjacent to any structures such as but not
limited to buildings such as homes 1810, wood type fences 1820,
trees 1830, and the like, in order to protect them from destructive
arthropods 1850.
[0072] Additionally, the embodiments can be attached directly to
materials themselves, such as but not limited to being attached to
landscape timbers including recycled railroad ties, which has been
known to transport pest species such as Formosan subterranean
termites around the country. For example, the teeth of the
embodiments can be used for such an attachment.
[0073] Although, the preferred embodiments refer to the stake being
an edible material such as wood, the stake can be made of other
edible materials such as but not limited to plastic, hardened foam,
and the like, and combinations, thereof.
[0074] Although the bottom layer 1340 has been referred to as being
an edible type material such as foam, the term foam can include but
not be limited to various types of foams such as but not limited to
open cell foam, closed cell foam, Styrofoam, and the like, and
combinations, thereof.
[0075] Although some types of non-edible foraging matrix materials
were described, other types of non-edible foraging matrix materials
can be used, such as but not limited to soil, sand, gravel, rocks,
pebbles, shale, expanded shale, clay, and the like, and
combinations thereof. Additionally, other non-edible foraging
matrix materials can be used such as those that can be ground or
fashioned to the particle size that arthropods such as but not
limited to termites and other arthropods can pick up and can forage
through. Additionally, any other types of non-edible foraging
materials that arthropods such as but not limited to termites, can
be used such as but not limited to dental cast-stone and other
porous materials, and the like, and combinations thereof with any
other materials described here.
[0076] While various shapes for the embodiments are shown, any of
the invention embodiments can include various types of geometrical
shapes such as but not limited to rectangular, polygon, disc,
global, cylindrical, triangular, and the like, and various
combinations thereof, and the like.
[0077] Although each of the embodiments is separately described
above, each and every feature of the embodiments can be
interchanged and used with any of the other embodiments. Likewise,
each of the embodiments can be used in different combinations with
each other.
[0078] In addition to the slow-acting non-repellent toxicants
previously described, other slow-acting toxicants can also be used
such as those listed but not limited to those in
2TABLE 2 Additional Slow-Acting Toxicants TYPE SLOW-ACTING
TOXICANTS Non-repellants: Chlorfenapyr, Imidacloprid, Friponil Bait
Materials: Hydramethylnon, Sulfluramid, Hexaflumuron IGRs:
Pyriproxyfen, methoprene and lufenuron, dimilin Others:
Chlorpyrifos, and their active derivatives Botanicals: Neem
(azadiractin) Inorganics: Boric acid based.
[0079] Although the layer in the chamber adjacent to the arthropod
entry is described as being an edible non-toxic food source, the
layer can also be an arthropod attractant material that arthropods
do not necessarily eat, but are attracted to such as pseudo-scents,
and the like.
[0080] While the preferred embodiments have been described as being
used adjacent to structures such as manmade structures such as
wood-containing houses, wood-containing buildings, wood-containing
sheds and wood-containing fences, and the like, and combinations
thereof, the invention embodiments can be placed adjacent to other
non-manmade items that can be damaged by arthropods, such as but
not limited to plants, shrubbery, gardens, and the like, and
combinations thereof. Likewise the invention embodiments can be
placed adjacent to both manmade and natural items that can be
damaged by the arthropods.
[0081] Although some of the preferred embodiments have been
described as being specifically used with subterranean type
termites, the invention embodiments are applicable to other types
of crawling arthropods, such as but not limited to termites,
carpenter ants, fire ants, roaches, and the like, and combinations,
thereof, and the like.
[0082] Although the invention embodiments are described as being
used primarily with crawling type arthropods, the invention can be
used with other types of arthropods such as above ground termites,
and the like., and in combinations thereof with other non-crawling
arthropods. Additionally, the invention embodiments can be used in
combination treatments for both crawling and non-crawling
arthropods, and the like.
[0083] While the invention has been described, disclosed,
illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or
modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the
invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be,
limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may
be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved
especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims
here appended.
* * * * *